**US Engages in Direct Talks with Hamas for the First Time Since Designating Them a Terror Organization: “In the Best Interest of American Citizens”**
– *Potential for a Second Phase of US-North Korea Talks Remains to Be Seen*
(Seoul = Yonhap News) An employee from Save the Children inspects the collapsed buildings in the northern Gaza Strip. (Photo: Save the Children, Mar 5, 2025. Resale and DB prohibited)
(Washington = Yonhap News, Correspondent Cho Joon-hyung) It has been confirmed that the administration of US President Donald Trump has been holding secret direct talks with the Palestinian militant group Hamas concerning the release of American hostages held in the Gaza Strip.
White House Press Secretary Caroline Lebitt confirmed on the 5th (local time) during a briefing that there are ongoing conversations and discussions between the United States and Hamas but avoided detailing specifics, stating, “American lives are at stake.”
Lebitt emphasized the presidential belief that engaging in dialogue globally in America’s best interest reflects a commitment to doing the right thing for the American people.
Previously, US online media outlet Axios reported that Trump’s Special Envoy for Hostage Affairs, Adam Boehler, had been in contact with Hamas officials in Doha, Qatar, over the past few weeks.
Hamas also confirmed the direct talks with the US about the release of hostages, according to an AFP report.
Historically, the US did not engage directly with Hamas, designated as a terrorist organization since 1997. Axios noted Boehler’s mission focuses on hostage release, and discussions involve gradually broader topics like a long-term ceasefire between Israel and Hamas.
Before these talks, the US consulted Israel regarding the potential interactions but reportedly did not seek Israeli pre-approval.
Lebitt clarified that there had been coordination with Israel concerning the US-Hamas direct talk.
A first-stage ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, agreed upon in January, expired on the 1st. US Special Envoy for Middle East Affairs, Steve Witkoff, offered a plan where if a nearly 50-day extension could be secured, Hamas would release half of the remaining hostages during this period, and all if a permanent ceasefire is agreed upon.
Israel halted humanitarian aid to Gaza from the 2nd, pressing for Hamas to accept the ceasefire extension. Hamas insists on proceeding to a second phase, as initially agreed, involving full hostage release and complete Israeli military withdrawal.
Witkoff was scheduled to visit Doha to meet Qatar’s Prime Minister for ceasefire negotiations but cancelled the trip due to a lack of progress in talks with Hamas, a US official informed Axios.
Israeli authorities believe 24 hostages, including US citizen Ethan Alexander, remain held in Gaza.
This episode of direct US-Hamas dialogue is seen as an illustration of “Trump diplomacy,” where dialogues are pursued in the best interest of the US, regardless of the counterpart.
The development offers insights into potential renewed US-North Korea dialogues, which are tied to US homeland security interests.
Notably, the limited US-Israel coordination over US-Hamas talks could suggest that South Korea might face similar challenges if US-North Korea talks resume, highlighting possible bypassing issues.
This article was authored by Cho Joon-hyung.